Marquee
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over 16 years
Bunch of academy movements;
John-Jules, Biereth, Rekik, Clarke all locked in loans for the upcoming season.

Osei-Tutu has been sold and looks like Ballard might be too. Given Osei-Tutu was the future at RB I think Norton-Cuffey is the next in line coming through the academy.

 Sounds like the deal for Ballard, to Burnley, will include a chance for us to match any future bids for him. 

Nice to see early actions for the youth, cashing in where needed and giving them certainty over playing time.
Legend
2.3K
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17K
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almost 17 years
Reports we have reached an agreement with Jesus.
tradition and history
1.5K
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almost 17 years
Did you have to say three our fathers?
Buffon II
Reports we have reached an agreement with Jesus.
Legend
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17K
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almost 17 years


Fab has confirmed it.
Legend
3.6K
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15K
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almost 17 years
Good business for that fee I reckon.
Sounding like Raphina could be on too. 
What gives in the squad? Pepe must be going, anyone else? 
Plenty of depth through the attacking roles now with Jesus, Saka, Martinelli, Smith-Rowe, Nketiah and Odegaard. If we add Raphina we will be struggling to find spots for everybody. 
Presumably Vieira comes in to compete with Partey, Xhaka, Lokonga and Elneny. 
Chat about Martinez, Argentina and Ajax CB. 
Depth is starting to look good. 
First Team Squad
1K
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1.7K
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over 15 years
Good signing for you lot, and feels like it shifts the momentum of the club.
Marquee
3.1K
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6.7K
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over 16 years
Considering we need other places strengthened more than wingers, i find it weird that we are going so hard for Raphina. I mean i will be glad to have him, but it just seems odd. 

On the Tielemans front, apparently the clubs approach is to offer low knowing that the Foxes will want to cash in on him before the end of the window. Apparently he doesnt want to sign an extension so by going to the end of the window increases the pressure to sell him. Nice strategy i suppose, until someone else buys him first. 
Starting XI
2.1K
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4.3K
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over 11 years
Yeah Raphina does seem an awful lot of money to spend on what is already the strongest position at the club. Would probably prefer some of that to be spent in more urgent areas such as a Xhaka replacement.
Marquee
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over 16 years
I wonder if the Raphina signing is one of intent to reshuffle either ESR or Saka into the advanced left hand CM role that Xhaka had been playing? Could look something like:

Martinelli  Jesus  Raphina  
         Saka Odegaard
             Partey
Still leaves you with Xhaka, Nketiah, ESR on the bench to mix it up.

If it isn't, and it's simply a depth option to replace the outgoing Pepe whom Arteta has never trusted, then the signing of Tielemens (or another quality CM) is imperative.
Marquee
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As an aside the club is really drawing out the announcement, Matt Turner announced this morning by the club - kind of like a second announcement though given he'd been confirmed back in January. Maybe tomorrow?

Be good if Jesus is this week as it would mean a good deal of our incomings are done the week that the boys get back together for pre-season, learning the lessons of last season!
Starting XI
2.1K
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over 11 years
The reported fee for Raphinha doesn't sound like what you'd pay for someone intended for the bench, at least for us anyway. Maybe for Man City when you can pay that for every player in the squad. Hopefully the plan is something like you suggested rather than Saka having indicated that he won't extend and wants a big move after the World Cup.
Legend
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15K
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almost 17 years
Arteta is of the Guardiola school of thinking, and what we see at Man City is high level players competing for starting spots - no one is a guaranteed starter in that team really. Maybe De Bruyne and Ederson, but even then I've seen De Bruyne left out of big games before. 
If Raphinha is a directly replacement for Pepe, then we've got two good players competing for every role in the front three;
ESR/Martinelli - Jesus/Nketiah - Raphinha/Saka
I like that personally. 
Where else do we need players more? 
Perhaps more quality in midfield, given we only have two proven EPL starters for the two roles (Partey, Xhaka). Having said that, we do have two promising youngsters backing them up (Vieira, Lokonga), and a dependable squad player in Elneny also waiting in the wings. 
I am happy with our current crop of CBs and fullbacks, but we could potentially look for another LB and loan out Tavares if Arteta has lost faith in him.
I am fine with Soares backing up Tomiyasu on the other side. 

Starting XI
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over 11 years
I guess that's all well and good on Man City's budget where a 60m pound spend here is not going to prevent another one there and another one over there and another 100m here in the same position just because they can. Possibly not the same for us though. 

Most pressing is someone to take Xhaka's starting spot IMO and a left back. I'd be tempted to go for a left back ready to compete for the starting spot rather than another backup. As much as we all love Tierney, he's proven unable to last for a full season and we've ended up playing too many games with inadequate cover. Would also prefer not to play too many games with Cedric again, although if Saliba is going to be in the plans then White could be an option at RB, and so could 3 at the back. 

I'm all for the quality signing if the spend doesn't prevent the more necessary spending, just find it surprising to spend that much in the position that the best player at the club already plays. My (maybe unfounded) fear is we're planning for Saka to not extend and go to Man City or Liverpool next year.

Definitely something to be said for signing players from within the league who are already settled in England though. That always comes with a premium on the price and it's something Wenger should possibly have done more of.
Legend
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15K
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almost 17 years
I agree re: man citys money but i think what has become clear in recent seasoms is that were no lightweight either, financially, like we used to be. 
We appear to be able to afford to pay big money now - Partey, Pepe, White, all big coin.
While we cant buy as many of them as City, we are greatly helped by the fact we have recently picked up a series of high quality players either through our academy, or for relatively cheaper fees. Saka, ESR, Martinelli, Gabriel, Tierney, Tomiyasu all fall into that camp, and even Ramsdale was only 30m.
 
Starting XI
2.1K
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4.3K
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over 11 years
A 24 second teaser trailer is out for the Amazon "All or Nothing" documentary series which followed us this season. See the Arsenal facebook page or arsenal.com. First episode out 4th August. Should be intriguing but hopefully it doesn't humiliate us. 
Spoiler alert: it wasn't "all".

As an aside, after the Burnley 0-0 in January I heard from a friend who was at the game that he got approached by someone from Amazon for an interview post game outside the stadium but feeling dejected he declined. He said the Amazon guy seemed despondent and said he was struggling to find anyone willing to do one


Marquee
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over 16 years
I think you're on the money AJC, we can't afford to splash on depth if it means we miss out on key upgrades. But equally I'm hopeful there is a clear plan in place to do all we're hoping they will, given the funds previously spent and the signings made thus far and our respective interest.

Regarding Raphinha turns out Chelsea are about to pip us to the post with them willing to drop big money on the deal. I'm in two minds about this, it could be that new owners at Chelsea want a statement signing and think that beating a local rival to his signature could be helpful with the fans as much as the player himself - or it's a leaked bit to try get Arsenal moving. You do have to wonder if any of the execs bother with the press game as much as us fans do!
Marquee
1.7K
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8.1K
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over 16 years
Looks like we've finally nailed down Jesus.
Welcome to the club fella, may you follow in your namesake and rise - specifically above Spuds defenders to head home a winner in the NLD.
Legend
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15K
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almost 17 years
Catching up with all the news, some interesting signings going on around the league. 
Spurs have recruited well, and early, FFS. They look a real danger this season. Conte is a boom-bust Manager so won't be around long, but this season looks to be his big shake at doing something significant. 
Will be interesting to see how things turn out. 
Of the "big 6", everyone looks to be on a upward trajectory aside from ManU, and their squad is still strong, so they could surprise. Something has gotta give there, at least a couple of the big 6 are going to crash and burn early, who will it be. 
We have got to hit the ground running this season. 
Team for opening day at this point? I'd go;
                   Ramsdale
Tomiyasu-White-Gabriel-Tierney
               Xhaka-Partey
     Saka-Odegaard-Martinelli
                      Jesus
Bench: Turner, Soares, Holding, Vieira, Elneny, Smith-Rowe, Pepe, Balogun, Nketiah
LG
Legend
5.5K
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23K
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over 16 years
brumbys
Looks like we've finally nailed down Jesus.
Welcome to the club fella, may you follow in your namesake and rise - specifically above Spuds defenders to head home a winner in the NLD.


The Gunners "Nailed" Jesus?? I hope it wasn't to a cross but for a cross.
Legend
3.6K
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15K
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almost 17 years
A footballer was arrested for rape in North London.
From the few clues available, internet sleuths are pointing to Thomas Partey.
FFS hope its not true. 
Starting XI
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over 11 years
Certainly all pointing to him, especially as he doesn't appear to have travelled with the squad to Germany. 
Hope it's not true but if it is then a starting CM becomes even more desperate than it already was.
Marquee
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5.2K
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over 16 years
paulm
A footballer was arrested for rape in North London.
From the few clues available, internet sleuths are pointing to Thomas Partey.
FFS hope its not true. 

29 year old who was due to play at the world cup. Partey is 29 and Ghana qualified for the world cup :(
Marquee
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over 16 years
Oh shiiiiiit I thought the arrest was up in north England not north london! 
Marquee
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over 16 years
If it’s him, then I hope it can be resolved quickly I.e innocent and play on/guilty and he’s never associated with the club ever again. 
Starting XI
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over 11 years
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.
LG
Legend
5.5K
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23K
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over 16 years
ajc28
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.

Serious accusations against 3 players. Is some truth in them or is it a case of eye candy getting the flick by rich football player and they feel scorned?
ajc28
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.
Marquee
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almost 17 years
LG
ajc28
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.

Serious accusations against 3 players. Is some truth in them or is it a case of eye candy getting the flick by rich football player and they feel scorned?
ajc28
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.
 Fudge off
Marquee
1.7K
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8.1K
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over 16 years
I'm all for letting process play out and assuming innocent until proven guilty, but suggesting these accusations aren't serious is pretty bloody poor. My expectations for all 3 of these is should they be found guilty is termination of contract and hopefully a prison sentence and I agree with the above about speed - not least for the potential victims.
LG
ajc28
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.

Serious accusations against 3 players. Is some truth in them or is it a case of eye candy getting the flick by rich football player and they feel scorned?
ajc28
Unfortunately these things are never quick. Don't think Greenwood has been charged yet, and not sure even Sigurdsson has been charged. 
Given it's multiple accusations from multiple women, it feels hard to take a "lets wait and see" approach. The club has no choice but to leave him out.
Must be gutting for Arteta and the whole squad. 
I suppose it also adds 15m to the price for any CM we enquire about now that we're going to be desperate.
Legend
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15K
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almost 17 years
Wait what, we talking three different players now???
Starting XI
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over 11 years
I think that was a reference to me mentioning a couple of other players (Greenwood, Sigurdsson) having had ongoing investigations for a while (6 months and 1 year respectively) that don't appear to have even progressed to charges yet. Whatever and whoever this one is (still no player is officially confirmed although the silence from the club in response to the speculation is deafening), it's not likely to be resolved quickly. I believe the law in the UK is that noone can be named until they are charged (unlike US where they can say when someone is arrested), although the media can get away with giving enough detail to pretty much identify them without naming then. Greenwood is known because it came out as a public allegation from the victim (the videos/recordings posted online). Sigurdsson has been suspended by Everton for a year - I think the club said something like a player was suspended "pending a police investigation" although didn't name him specifically but he's been named in Icelandic media. In an internet/social media world name suppression is pretty futile as it doesn't take long for a name to get out.
Legend
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Oh thank god. 
Partey would be terrible enough but I was having kittens thinking there was some sort of shocking troop of rapists at the club
Marquee
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over 16 years
Oh god please no, AJC was right I was referring to Greenwood, Gilfi, and mystery north londoner.
Marquee
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over 16 years
On a slightly less grim note JW10 has retired from football, and the Athletic's reporting he'll be going in as head coach of the U18's which is exciting for him. Seems a wise move to cut your losses but stay in the game while such a good pathway is in front of him.

We also had a bizarre friendly with Nurnberg. I watched most of first half and we were dreadful - but when you see the starting 11 and that KT was subbed out early in the first half you'll see why. Jesus and the other subs changed the game, but man am I excited to see what Jesus can do up front for us based on his 2nd half involvement!

Oh and check out this piledriver from Elneny, just wish he'd do this in matches that matter this season: https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/comments/vuf2rt/goal_n%C3%BCrnberg_22_arsenal_mohamed_elneny/
Starting XI
2.1K
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over 11 years
Feels a bit sad to be trying to fleece the fans for PPV friendlies. 
Tierney didn't even last till half time? Injured already? Left back needs to be a top priority. 
Marquee
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over 16 years
So apparently it was part of a controlled return. He was making plenty of bursting runs and looked OK so I think they’re just being cautious. Without that context in real time I feared the worst. 
ajc28
Feels a bit sad to be trying to fleece the fans for PPV friendlies. 
Tierney didn't even last till half time? Injured already? Left back needs to be a top priority. 
Legend
8K
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14K
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over 16 years
saw on Facebook today that Partey is making a statement denying any involvement - all just rumours ay present and it wasnt him.
Marquee
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over 16 years
I'm keen to hear what he says because I seen reports that there are two different rape cases being brought against him but two different women. One from the last 6weeks or so and one from earlier this year. The club new about the one that happened last season. 
Marquee
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over 16 years
Now here’s an interesting rumour - Kante to arsenal. I’d be very interested. Even if his body is giving a bit these days. He’s in the last year of his contract so there is something to play with there. 
Marquee
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I've seen all sorts online; I'm personally putting a pin on it until Arsenal, Partey, or the Met Police make a statement.

RE Kante, not for me thanks. We have a terrible track record with former Chelsea players over 30, not keen to keep that up especially if it's at the expense of investing in Tielemens or others.
Legend
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almost 17 years
How much do we really need this extra wide forward we seem to be looking for in the market? I thought we needed an upgrade on Pepe on the right, to compete with Saka. But watching the (admittedly very few) clips of the Nurnberg game, I thought Jesus looked really good from the right, and interplayed well with Nketiah. Pepe is a good bench option, there have been quite a few games when he's come on and made something happen, I wouldn't be averse to him being a squad player this season, while Saka/Nketiah/Jesus/Martinelli/ESR compete for starting spots across the front three. Not sure of Pepe's contractual situation though, perhaps we need to sell him now or risk him going on a free? 

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